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If unnoticed or untreated, early onset of mental health problems could be the starting point of persistent disorders like depression and anxiety, self-harm and psychotic disorders, she said.

"Bullying may also set the conditions for a cycle in which people are at risk of exposure to further victimisation in later life," she said.

More young males using mental health services could be the result of more adults recognising and referring boys, who show more outward signs of bullying than girls, it is believed.

Meanwhile, the higher use of mental health services among women could be down to men feeling more stigmas associated with mental health problems - and consequently not seeking support.

Professor Louise Arseneault from King's College London, said: "In recent years, research has accumulated strong evidence to show that being bullied can be harmful for children and that problems can persist for a long time, up to midlife.

"This is the first time we are able to show the impact of childhood bullying victimisation on the health care system in the UK.

"Beyond the individuals, bullying affects the wider systems and societies. Findings from our study add to other research supporting early intervention aimed at stopping bullying or preventing mental health problems in the young victims."

Early intervention to prevent childhood bullying would both help to stop distress and save in healthcare over the course of a person's life.